Perkasie Budget Plan Holds Tax Line, Hikes Power, Trash Charges

Perkasie's proposed $4.95-million budget for next year calls for significant increases in electric fund and trash collection expenditures while holding the line on real estate taxes at 9 mills.

The cost of electricity purchased by the borough from Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. is rising from $1.8 million this year to $2.15 million in the coming year.

Total appropriations for the electric department are anticipated to be $3.06 million in 1986, an increase of nearly $400,000 for the year.

An additional $365,000 appropriation from the capital improvement fund is expected to upgrade the borough's electric system. Of that figure, $100,000 is allocated for engineering costs.

Last year, electric system improvements totaled only $155,000.

According to Borough Manager Gary Nace, trash collection fees will increase for the second consecutive year. Fees paid by residents will rise from $90 this year to $120 next year because of an additional $6.50 per ton paid by the borough to its hauler in disposal fees. Higher labor costs, insurance and transportation fees are included in the increase, he said.

Total allocation for refuse collection next year is $208,900.

The general fund budget will increase approximately $133,000 over this year, to $1.39 million. The 9-mill rate that will be left intact means that a homeowner whose house is assessed at $5,000 would pay a borough tax next year of $45.

Highlights of the general fund expenditures for the coming year include salary increases for borough councilmen.

Next year members of Borough Council will receive a total allocation of $13,800, compared with $5,400 this year, while the mayor's salary doubles to $1,800.

General office salaries will increase $5,000 to a new total of $115,000.

Salaries and wages for the police department will increase $30,000 in the coming year to a new total of $264,000, part of an overall police budget of $299,000.

According to budget figures, a fivefold increase in civil defense is slated for next year. up to $2,000 from its current funding level of $400.

Street maintenance and repair costs are anticipated to rise only slightly, according to the proposed budget. This year, the borough allocated $145,000, while $152,000 has been allocated for the coming year.

The parks budget calls for a $2,000 decline in expenditures to $33,700. Most of that figure can be accounted for by a $2,000 dip in wages and salaries to park personnel to $27,000.

The recreation budget, including swimming pool operations, are slated for an increase of $2,000 in operating expenditures, for a new total of $35,100.

A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. next Monday in the borough hall, with adoption slated for the following Monday at the same time at a special council meeting.